Student Conduct, Dismissal & Appeals

Universities have a responsibility to protect: their educational purposes, the academic environment of the campus, and all members of the University community. To meet these responsibilities, a University must establish and enforce standards of conduct for its students. A University has the legal right to establish reasonable standards for student conduct, for membership and continued membership in the University community, to deny membership to those applicants who do not meet these standards, and to impose reasonable disciplinary sanctions on students found guilty of violating these standards or misconduct. Students have a right to appeal any imposed sanctions.

Policy

It is the prerogative of the School of Allied Health Professions, through the faculty, administrators, and staff, to apply the policy statements and procedures regarding specific students under specific sets of circumstances. The rights of the student and the needs of the School in accomplishing its mission and educational goals must be considered. To this end, acts of academic or other misconduct will subject the offending student to disciplinary action. To insure the consistent observance of due process, the following policy and procedures apply.

“School” refers to the School of Allied Health Professions, Shreveport, LA

“Department” refers to the specific department within the School of Allied Health Professions in which a given student is enrolled.

“Program” refers to a specific program within departments in the School of Allied Health Professions.

“Days” refers to official LSU Health Sciences Center working days.

“Dean” refers to the Dean of the School of Allied Health Professions.

“Associate Dean for Academic Affairs” refers to this position within the School of Allied Health Professions.

“Program Director” refers to this position within the School of Allied Health Professions.

“Assessment” refers to any graded coursework.

General Provisions

Equal treatment guaranteed to students by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States requires that the same policies, procedures, and practices be used to consider all allegations of misconduct and also requires the imposing of “like sanctions for like violations” on all students found guilty of misconduct. This obligation of the School can be fulfilled only if each instructor reports suspected misconduct to the designated office in accordance with the provisions of this document. Consistent with this obligation, no disciplinary sanction shall be imposed upon a student except in accordance with the provisions of this document. Thus, it is contrary to School policy for an instructor to assign a disciplinary grade, such as an “F” or zero on an assignment, test, examination, or course as a sanction for admitted or suspected academic dishonesty, in lieu of formally charging the student with academic misconduct under the provisions described herein.

Any time limit set forth in this document may be extended by mutual written agreement between the Dean and/or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the student.

If a student seeks resolution of the matter through any agency outside of the University, such as retaining legal counsel, the School shall have no obligation to continue the appeals process procedures as outlined in this policy.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs shall chair the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals. The Dean may appoint someone other than the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to serve in his/her place.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Copying from another student’s work;

Using, possessing, viewing, or having access to unauthorized materials before a test, during a test or testing period. Having such forbidden material open or in sight of the student will be considered evidence of use;

Attempting to commit or serving as an accessory to the commission of an offense listed in this policy;

Collaborating during any individual assessment with any other person by giving or receiving information without authority;

Using unauthorized, specially prepared materials and/or electronic devices, including but not limited to: notes, formula lists, smart phones, cell phones, PDAs during any assessment. Having such forbidden material open or in sight of the student during any assessment will be considered evidence of use or attempted use. Sending or receiving such forbidden material by text, email, message or other electronic means will be considered evidence of use or attempted use.

Receiving, stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining, all or part of an unadministered assessment.

Selling or giving away all or part of an unadministered assessment;

Bribing or coercing any other person to obtain an unadministered assessment or information about an assessment;

Substituting for another student or permitting any other person to substitute for oneself, to take an assessment;

Submitting as one’s own work any oral or written assignment prepared totally or in part by another (plagiarism - the unacknowledged inclusion of some else’s words, ideas or data in work submitted for credit);

In the completion of any coursework, failure to identify a source, published or unpublished, copyrighted or non-copyrighted, from which information, terms, phrases or concepts have been taken, constitutes plagiarism;

Selling, giving or otherwise supplying to another student for use in fulfilling academic requirements any theme, report, term paper, or other work;

Changing, altering or being an accessory to the changing and/or altering a grade in a grade book, on a test paper, on other work for which a grade is given, on any academic records;

Proposing and/or entering into an arrangement with an instructor to receive a grade of “F” or any other reduced grade in a course, on a test or any other assigned work in lieu of being charged with academic misconduct under the provisions of this policy;

Professional misconduct including actions occurring while on or off of University property:

To protect the University’s educational purposes and the University community, a student may be formally charged with a violation of this policy and be subject to the sanctions herein when:

Strong and convincing evidence that the student has committed a felony of such nature that continued presence at the University is potentially dangerous to the health and safety of the University community even if civil authorities have not brought charges or imposed penalties.

The student is convicted of a felony.

The student is formally charged by civil authorities with the commission of a felony of such nature that the student’s continued presence at the University is potentially dangerous to the health and safety of the University community.

Assault or battery; Sexual assault or sexual battery;

Any act of arson;

Intentional disruption of, obstruction of, or interference with teaching, research or other University academic activities or other University - sponsored and University co-sponsored activities, programs, or campus events;

Tampering with, or removing from its proper designated location, fire extinguishers, hoses, or other fire or emergency equipment, except when done with a reasonable justification of need for such equipment;

Falsely reporting a fire or other emergency; falsely setting off a fire alarm;

Intentionally delaying, disobeying, obstructing, or resisting a person who identified himself or herself as a member of the faculty, University administrator, campus police person or other law enforcement officer, fire person, or other University employee in the performance of his or her duty;

Rioting/Raiding, inciting to riot/raid, assembling to riot/raid University units;

Falsely reporting the presence of an unlawful explosive or incendiary device;

Possession or use of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, or dangerous weapons in violation of the law or anywhere on University property regardless of any concealed carry permit;

Vandalism, malicious destruction, damage, or misuse of public or private property;

Forgery, alteration, or misuse of University documents, records, or identification cards;

Furnishing false oral or written information to the University with intent to deceive;

Disruption of any University property, through vandalism, excessive noise, practical jokes, and/or the flagrant violation of other rules and regulations;

Theft, larceny, shoplifting, embezzlement, or the temporary taking of the property of another;

Trespassing;

Sexual harassment, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct;

Stalking;

Gambling in violation of local, state, or federal law;

Disorderly conduct;

Violation of the University regulations governing substance abuse or alcoholic beverages;

Attempting to commit or being an accessory to the commission of any of the offenses listed in this policy;

Committing an act or attempting to commit an act on campus or off campus while performing activities for course credit that would be in violation of the Criminal Code of the State of Louisiana or of any federal law;

Violation of individual program or school policies and/or guidelines.

Representing oneself as a medical professional beyond the scope of education, license, or status.

Violation of the school’s social media policies

Procedure for Reporting Student Misconduct

An instructor, program director, department head, employee or student who has evidence to justify a charge of misconduct, shall present the evidence to the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs within 5 working days of the alleged misconduct.

This allegation of misconduct must be in writing and signed by the individual making the allegation and contain a full summary of what was witnessed and other related details.

Charging a Student with Misconduct

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or his/her designee will discuss the circumstances and evidence surrounding the alleged violation with the person bringing the charge.

After reviewing the evidence and supporting documentation pertaining to the alleged violation, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or his/her designee will then discuss the charge with the student involved.

The individual making the charge may be present at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

If the evidence is sufficient to justify such action, the student will be informed that the School will bring formal charges against him or her.

If the evidence is sufficient to justify such action, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or his/her designee, will provide the student with a written statement of the formal charge(s) within 5 working days of the meeting discussing the charges.

The student may choose 1 of the following options within 5 working days of receiving the charge(s):

request that the Dean accept administrative jurisdiction (decision without use of a committee)

refer the charge(s) to the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals

Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals

The Dean will assemble the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals within 10 working days of the student’s decision

The Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals is an Ad Hoc Committee, which shall be advisory to the Dean and consist of up to three faculty members and if desired by the Dean and approved by the accused, up to two students. No more than one faculty member of the Committee may be a member of the accused student’s program.

Members of the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals shall be selected by the Dean. Student members may be selected by the Dean. Students serving on the hearing panel may not be from the accused student’s program but must be from a program of equal academic level (graduate or undergraduate).

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs shall serve as chairperson of the Committee and be responsible for setting up the hearing, informing concerned parties and the Committee members of the time and place of the hearing. In exceptional circumstances, the Dean may appoint someone other than the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to serve in his/her place.

The accused student may be accompanied by a non-legal advisor at the hearing. The advisor may speak only to his/her advisee during the hearing.

At the hearing, evidence and supporting documentation of alleged misconduct will be presented. The accused student may present evidence in his/her defense, question those who present evidence against him/her, and refute evidence against himself/herself. The Committee may question all those who offer evidence. The Chairperson will insure that the scope of the hearing and evidence presented relate to the charge of misconduct.

After all evidence has been presented, the Committee will meet in executive session to deliberate and formulate its recommendation to the Dean. The Committee may choose one or more sanctions listed in this document as its recommendation.

The Committee Chairperson shall submit a written report to the Dean including: the Committee’s finding(s), recommendation(s), summary of the evidence presented, and dissenting opinions within 5 working days of the hearing.

The Administrative Hearing

As noted in the section titled “Charging a Student with Misconduct,” after the student is formally charged with academic misconduct, the accused student may request an administrative hearing before the Dean. This request must be made within 5 working days of receipt of the formal charge.

The following specific conditions must be met before the Dean can accept jurisdiction. The student must:

request in writing that the Dean take jurisdiction, and the Dean must be willing to accept the case as being appropriate for administrative resolution

officially plead guilty in writing to the specific charge as prepared by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

waive his or her right in writing to have the charge considered by the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals.

Action by the Dean

The Dean will render a final decision consistent with the following schedule: 1) within 5 working days of receipt of the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals report, or 2) within 10 working days of accepting administrative jurisdiction.

The Dean has the authority to impose sanctions other than those recommended by the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals and determine the date when sanctions will be imposed.

The Dean’s final decision, plus a copy of the Committee’s findings and recommendations, shall be distributed to the student involved, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and other appropriate administrators.

Appeal

As a matter of right, a student may appeal the decision of the Dean. An appeal must be made to the Chief Academic Officer of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport within 10 working days of the decision of the Dean. The written appeal must include:

Justification for the appeal that includes evidence of abuse of process, evidence of procedural error, or evidence of a grievous miscarriage of justice.

Copies of all documents produced by the Committee on Student Conduct, Dismissal, and Appeals and the Dean’s final decision.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, or his/her designee, shall decide within 10 working days after receipt of appeal whether further action should be taken. In reaching this decision, this official may ask other parties to the appeal to make written reply to the request for a review. If the decision is reached that a review is not justified, the student and all other parties will be so notified. If the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, or his/her designee, decides to support review of the Dean’s final decision, this official will hold a formal meeting with all parties and their advisors, if desired, and reach a decision based on discussions at this meeting and all written materials furnished. Once a decision is made, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, or his/her designee, will notify all parties of the decision. The decision of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, or his/her designee, shall conclude the matter.

Interim Grade

A grade of “I” (incomplete) will be assigned, if necessary, until the Dean has rendered his/her final decision. Until the matter is resolved, the “I” will remain on the student’s official transcript. If the matter is not concluded prior to the date for registration for the following semester, the student may be allowed to continue with his or her curriculum. Once the Dean renders a decision, the student must abide by that decision.

Interim Attendance

During the course of the appeal, student attendance may be permitted or prevented on a course by course basis by the Program Director depending on the nature of the offense.

Sanctions for Academic Misconduct

Sanctions imposed on the student may include one or more of the following:

Receive counseling;

Receive a grade of “0%” on the work in question;

Retake test, or repeat work in question;

Lower letter grade by one letter, e.g. A to B;

Lower letter grade by two letters, e.g. A to C;

Complete given activities/assignments consistent with the Dean’s decision which may include:

writing a statement of apology

explanation of the offense and/or penalty to the student’s classmates

educating other students regarding avoidance of academic misconduct

Receive a failing grade (F) for the course in which the infraction occurred. If this sanction is imposed and the policy of the Department stipulates that when “a student receives a less than satisfactory grade in a course he or she may not continue in the program sequence,” then the Department policy shall also apply;

Suspension from the School. Period of suspension to be determined by the Dean

Dismissal from the School.

Sanctions for Professional Misconduct

Sanctions imposed on the student may include one or more of the following:

Receive counseling;

Disciplinary Warning:

verbal or written warning to the student

a repeat offense will likely result in more serious disciplinary action

first offenses do NOT automatically receive a warning; warnings are reserved for cases with unusual mitigating circumstances;

Written Reprimand: a written statement censuring a student for violating School regulations

another offense will likely result in more serious action

this is normally considered a lenient response, even for first offenses

Restitution: requirement that the student compensate the School or other persons for damages, injuries, or losses. Failure to comply results in canceled registration and a hold on future registration or dismissal from the School;

Remediation: one or multiple requirements outlined by the Dean or Program Director intended to remediate the student’s professionalism deficiency. Examples of such requirements include but are not limited to written or verbal apologies to those effected, remedial assignments or courses, public, community, school, or professional service project.

Disciplinary Probation: an action that places conditions on the student’s continued attendance at the School, including the statement that further violation of School policies will likely result in dismissal. The Committee determines the term and conditions of academic probation. First offenses often result in probation;

Suspension from the School. Period of time to be determined by the Dean; Dismissal from the School.